JBL by Harman has released several updates for the JBL SDP-75 Surround Processor, and is introducing a host of new features and capabilities to the SDP-75 platform. Among the new features is the integration of the Trinnov Optimizer engine, along with a newly developed room correction target curve for improved performance.
Along with these improvements, the company has announced lower pricing in the Americas on all variants of the SDP-75, including the soon-to-be available 24-channel version.
By partnering with Trinnov, JBL can now make use of the Trinnov Optimizer, which has been adapted as part of an ecosystem for use with JBL Synthesis and Revel loudspeakers in the SDP-75. This advancement provides greater system flexibility through multiple EQ presets and loudspeaker configurations, eliminates unnecessary A-D and D-A converters, and can cost significantly less than systems using external SDEC equalizer hardware, depending on the channel count. The Optimizer engine is now included in all SDP-75 variants as a standard feature.
Using the internal Optimizer engine will change the connectivity to the amplifiers versus a system that uses outboard SDEC equalizers. A custom eight-channel DB-25 to mini Phoenix interconnect cable is available from JBL Synthesis dealers.
Based on continuing research and blind listening tests, the JBL Synthesis SDP-75 now incorporates a new target curve that provides an improvement in performance–even over the ARCOS target. The sonic result is better subwoofer integration with the main speakers, much deeper and tighter bass, and significantly smoother high frequencies.
Owners of SDP-75s will now be able to expand the channel-count of their processors as system needs change. Examples include upgrading a 16-channel SDP-75 to 24 or 32 channels, or a 24-channel SDP-75 to 32 channels. Additional channels become important when utilizing multiple subwoofers or biamping loudspeakers. Adding additional channels within the SDP-75 processor chassis is a more cost-effective way to expand channel count versus using outboard SDEC equalizers.
Development is in progress that will lead to a drop-down selection of JBL Synthesis and Revel speakers within the SDP-75 interface, which allows the system to provide equalization above the Schroeder, or transition frequency, that cannot be achieved through in-room measurements. This will be provided at no cost to owners, and will deliver sonically superior results versus corrections based solely on in-room measurements. Availability will be announced as the engineering comes closer to completion.
Note that current SDP-75 processors can pass 4K video via input 1 and output 2, with performance limitations. Those wishing to utilize the full capabilities of UHD at this time can use an audio “breakout box” to provide video directly to a display, while routing audio to the SDP-75, or utilize a video processor with switching capability.
All SDP-75 variants will now ship with the Trinnov Optimizer engine included as well as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro3D audio codecs. Audio codecs can be deleted with a resulting credit to the dealer.
